Venerable Kumu seized the opportunity, continuously devouring the power of the Five Elements, expanding the Withering Domain.

Venerable Kumu was evidently very familiar with this Five Elements Array, knowing precisely where its weaknesses lay, and was not nervous when trapped by the Five Elements Array.

As the Withering Domain relentlessly devoured and expanded, the Wood Spiritual Power within the Five Elements Array began to swiftly deplete. The originally vibrant Wood Spiritual Power gradually turned gray under the influence of the Withering Domain.

As the Wood Spiritual Power withered, the power of the Five Elements Array continued to diminish. Meanwhile, Venerable Kumu took advantage of this opportunity to fully activate his Law Domain, attempting to completely destroy the Five Elements Array.

Li Mu glanced unexpectedly at Venerable Kumu, surprised that this Refining Void Great Power was cultivating such a peculiar and familiar Exotic Spirit Root Technique.

Among the countless cultivators, Spirit Roots vary widely. Besides the normal five elements and Yin Yang Spirit Roots, there are various Exotic Spirit Roots, such as Ice Spirit Root, Thunder Spirit Root, Wind Spirit Root, Sword Spirit Root, ..., derivatives beyond the Yin Yang Five Elements.

Venerable Kumu’s Spirit Root, Cultivation Technique, and Law Domain leaned toward derivatives of the Wood Spirit Root and Time Spirit Root, capable of devouring Mu Yi and generating the Kumu Technique of the Withering Law.

However, this type of Spirit Root and Dharma Realm is still bound by the power of the Five Elements. The Yin Yang Five Elements are the foundation of all things, the true source of orthodoxy.

Li Mu remained calm and composed, forming techniques with his hands, once again controlling the five beasts to transform the Five Elements and fully stimulate the Power of Fire.

The Five Elements Array instantly underwent intense transformations. Under Li Mu’s control, the power of the Five Elements within the array began to transform into each other, swiftly forming a sea of fire. The blazing flames ignited within the array, turning the entire interior into a furnace for Alchemy and Artifact Refining.

The frenzied Power of Fire in the Five Elements Array surged hundreds of times, Wood generates Fire. The Power of Fire frantically competed with the Withering Domain for the Wood Spiritual Power. At the same time, it devoured the Withering Domain, using its spiritual power as fuel, burning ever stronger!

Meanwhile, using the principle of Five Elements Mutual Generation, through the Power of Fire, continuously stimulating the spiritual power of the other four elements, constantly strengthening, repeatedly cycling, continuously enhancing the power of the Five Elements Array.

Witnessing this scene, the Withering Domain was continuously compressed, causing Venerable Kumu’s face to reveal a trace of fear.

He never expected that this Five Elements Array would be so formidable, not only failing to be destroyed by his Withering Domain, but instead becoming even more powerful!

How is this possible!

How can the Five Elements Array still have such transformation!

Venerable Kumu panicked, desperately driving his Withering Domain to the extreme, attempting once again to devour the Wood Spiritual Power within the Five Elements Array, sustaining the domain, and undermining the foundation of the Five Elements Array.

However, Li Mu was equally unyielding, fully controlling the five beasts, operating the Five Elements Array, exerting his cultivation and will to the extreme.

The battle intensified, with both sides using their utmost capabilities, entering the most exhausting and perilous mana competition.

In an instant, on the vast, boundless ocean, hundred-meter waves surged continuously, and at the center appeared a vacuum area, as if wanting to swallow the entire heaven and earth.

"Young man, the gap between our realms is too vast. There’s no way you can win against me. What say we call it quits and each part ways!"

Venerable Kumu suddenly spoke, looking at Li Mu with a tone of negotiation.

"Old relic, weren’t you arrogant just now! What, scared now!" Li Mu chuckled and retorted.

What consumed was the mana of the five beasts; he was in his prime status! Li Mu hesitated whether to go to extremes and kill the opponent.

However, doing so would offend the Ji Family of the Eight Great Clans of Central State, leading to endless consequences.

Upon hearing Li Mu’s questioning, Venerable Kumu was momentarily speechless, yet unwilling to concede defeat, he glared viciously at Li Mu: "Young man, don’t be disrespectful. If you continue to exhaust, I’ll accompany you to the end. Or let it end here, and the Ji Family will not hold a grudge. If you persist, don’t blame the Ji Family for being ruthless!"

Venerable Kumu understood that he was in a predicament, unable to escape, his mana already exhausted considerably. If this continued, he surely wouldn’t be able to withstand the opponent.

Li Mu was not intimidated by his threats, glancing coldly at Venerable Kumu, saying: "Isn’t it all about relying on the Ji Family! Without the Ji Family, I’d cut you down right now! So what if you’re a Refining Void Ancestor, it’s not like I haven’t killed one before, don’t overestimate yourself!"

Upon hearing this, Venerable Kumu’s face altered drastically, recalling something with a trace of panic flashing in his eyes, he asked in a frightened tone: "You killed Xueming and Yin Jiong!"

Li Mu cast a cold look at him without answering, as he perceived that the Two-Horned Cyan Moon Flood Dragon and others had exhausted most of their mana, unable to maintain the stalemate any longer.

Whether to kill or spare this old guy must be decided quickly!

Detecting Li Mu’s gaze filled with killing intent, pondering over his fate, Venerable Kumu’s expression changed back and forth, realizing his life and death were in the hands of this Nascent Soul youth.

"Friend Li, let’s talk. It was my fault this time." Venerable Kumu’s tone turned very cordial, attempting to ease the tense atmosphere.

Just then, Li Mu suddenly looked to the right, as a fierce gust of wind appeared out of thin air, and the figure of Venerable Kun Ling materialized on the scene, watching with a complex expression.

Seeing the arrival of his old rival, Venerable Kumu felt a flush of shame, yet clinging to life was crucial. He pleaded to Venerable Kun Ling: "Fellow Daoist Kun, please, persuade this young friend. If something happens to me, the Ji Family will surely hunt him down."

Venerable Kun Ling, upon hearing this, frowned lightly, understanding the vast influence of the Ji Family. If Venerable Kumu was indeed killed by Li Mu, the Ji Family would not let it rest. At that time, not only would Li Mu be in trouble, but even the Kun Family would likely be implicated.

Every Refining Void Great Power is a core member of the Eight Great Clans of Central State. The entwined grievances between him and Kumu are deep-rooted, yet for the sake of the bigger picture, the Kun Family and Ji Family must sometimes join forces.

"Friend Li, listen to my advice." Venerable Kun Ling stepped forward, addressing Li Mu, "Though Fellow Daoist Kumu has had grievances with you, he doesn’t deserve to die. If you kill him, it will undoubtedly provoke the Ji Family’s insane retaliation. Spare him, and there may be a chance to meet again in the future."

Li Mu frowned slightly, reluctantly saying: "Elder Kun, this old ghost bullies people excessively, with an extreme nature. If I just let him go, it could cause trouble later."

Venerable Kun Ling nodded, fully understanding, he looked at Venerable Kumu, saying: "Fellow Daoist Kumu, you heard him! Only by making a Dao Heart oath can this be resolved. If you agree to make a vow not to be Li Mu’s enemy, not disclose his secrets, and not interfere with his cultivation, I will guarantee your safety."

Venerable Kumu nodded grimly, discontent in his heart but realizing he must bow to stronger forces.

Thus, under Venerable Kun Ling’s witness, Venerable Kumu with humiliation raised his hand to make a Dao Heart oath, retreating three steps from Li Mu, unable to seek revenge or reveal secrets, or his cultivation will stagnate, dying under the Celestial Dao Thunder Tribulation if violated.

"Friend Li, is this satisfactory now? Can you release me from the array!" Having solemnly sworn the Dao Heart vow, Venerable Kumu’s face blushed red as he looked at Li Mu, inquiring.

"You wish to leave the array! First, remove your Storage Treasure! Don’t think of deceiving me." Li Mu looked at Venerable Kumu coldly and said.

Venerable Kumu’s expression changed, looking at Venerable Kun Ling.

"Why look at me! Your attempt to kill and rob won’t be resolved by a mere vow. You should be thankful for surviving; are you so unwilling to part with some wealth?" Venerable Kun Ling rolled his eyes at Venerable Kumu, mocking him sarcastically.

Upon hearing this, Venerable Kumu’s face turned a mix of colors, almost fainting in anger.

Nonetheless, to save his life, Venerable Kumu had no choice but to remove his Storage Ring, Storage Belt, and several Storage Magical Treasures.